Meet the Lead Guides
Luke Carver
CEO
Luke Carver
CEO
My name is Luke Carver, and my journey has been one of profound transformation. My trauma began at the age of 15 in Colorado, where I endured sexual abuse. By 16, I had moved out of my parents’ home and was diagnosed with a lifelong illness. Despite these challenges, I supported myself through high school by working as a server and engaging in activities that, while not legal, allowed me to pursue my dream of going to college. During this time, I became addicted to pharmaceuticals and street drugs, yet I managed to complete both high school and college.
After college, I moved from the mountains to Denver and began climbing the corporate ladder in property management. By the age of 24, however, my addiction had spiraled out of control, and I could no longer maintain the facade required for my corporate role. I lost everything—my job, my home—and found myself homeless.
It was then that I was taken in by a gang family and became involved in organized crime. From the ages of 25 to 29, I was deeply entrenched in gang activities, eventually facing serious charges and the prospect of prison. The mental healthcare system at the time was unable to provide the support I desperately needed. In a desperate bid for change, I moved to Austin, Texas, where an incredible man named David introduced me to a Shaman named Whitney Lasseter. That encounter transformed my life. I came to see that every trauma and pain I had endured was a profound gift from the universe, molding me into someone capable of helping others navigate their own struggles.
From that moment on, I made it my mission to bring new solutions to our healthcare system. I played a key role in opening one of the first psychedelic therapy models in Austin, Texas, and honed my skills in helping others heal. Through this work, I rediscovered self-love.
I am experienced in Internal Family Systems coaching, am a certified coach with Being True to You, and have specialized in trauma work, coaching sexual abuse survivors, addiction counseling, marketing, and admissions. My passion lies in helping individuals reconnect with their true selves, find their inner healers, and create systems that uplift humanity rather than suppress it.
As a Projector, I am dedicated to transforming our current systems, and I live each day committed to this purpose. I am honored and deeply grateful to serve humanity.
Taylor Arandela
Retreat Director
Taylor Arandela
Retreat Director
Taylor has 3 years of experience in running all positions in a Psychedelic Retreat Environment. She specializes in working with veterans and addiction clients. From creating the container, teaching classes to organic chef. She is the full package when it comes to running a retreat and holding space for clients. Her passion is to help people in their darkest times. She helps people to find joy in life even when they are in their shadow.
Medical Guides
Dr. Meredith Aistrup, ND
Medical Director
Dr. Meredith Aistrup, ND
Medical Director
Meredith is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor. She has 4 years of clinical experience in the mental health field. This includes work at a domestic abuse clinic, an underserved Hispanic clinic, a private practice, and as program director of Within, a psychedelic retreat center. She is passionate about creating holistic, loving, and immersive experiences for individual struggling with mental health concerns.
Brittany Castaneda, PMHNP-BC,
Clinical Director
Brittany Castaneda, NP
Clinical Director
I strongly believe that true healing involves much more than just treating physical symptoms – it also requires addressing the spiritual and emotional aspects of a person’s being. This is why I am deeply interested in the potential of psychedelic medicine and changing the way mental health care is approached. I believe that when used responsibly and in the proper setting, psychedelic medicines can offer individuals a powerful tool for accessing the deepest parts of themselves and uncovering the root causes of their symptoms. I am also deeply committed to advocating for integration and therapy alongside psychedelic experiences because healing occurs not only during the psychedelic experience itself but also in the days, weeks, and months that follow.
I have continuously sought to blend traditional medical practices with innovative therapeutic approaches because the holistic perspective prioritizes the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and spirit. Thus, I have found myself pursuing dual certification both as a Family Practice NP and a Psychiatric Mental Health NP.
I believe that when medical teams are aligned with purpose, trust, and a shared mission, they can create healing spaces that go beyond treating symptoms to truly nurturing the spirit. Assembling and guiding teams that resonate with these values is my passion, ensuring that the work being done is both clinically sound and deeply grounded in empathy and connection.
Rachel Katznelson
Clinical Guide
Dr. Meredith Aistrup, ND
Medical Director
Meredith is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor. She has 4 years of clinical experience in the mental health field. This includes work at a domestic abuse clinic, an underserved Hispanic clinic, a private practice, and as program director of Within, a psychedelic retreat center. She is passionate about creating holistic, loving, and immersive experiences for individual struggling with mental health concerns.
Brittany Castaneda, PMHNP-BC,
Medical Operations Guide
Brittany Castaneda, NP
Clinical Director
I strongly believe that true healing involves much more than just treating physical symptoms – it also requires addressing the spiritual and emotional aspects of a person’s being. This is why I am deeply interested in the potential of psychedelic medicine and changing the way mental health care is approached. I believe that when used responsibly and in the proper setting, psychedelic medicines can offer individuals a powerful tool for accessing the deepest parts of themselves and uncovering the root causes of their symptoms. I am also deeply committed to advocating for integration and therapy alongside psychedelic experiences because healing occurs not only during the psychedelic experience itself but also in the days, weeks, and months that follow.
I have continuously sought to blend traditional medical practices with innovative therapeutic approaches because the holistic perspective prioritizes the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and spirit. Thus, I have found myself pursuing dual certification both as a Family Practice NP and a Psychiatric Mental Health NP.
I believe that when medical teams are aligned with purpose, trust, and a shared mission, they can create healing spaces that go beyond treating symptoms to truly nurturing the spirit. Assembling and guiding teams that resonate with these values is my passion, ensuring that the work being done is both clinically sound and deeply grounded in empathy and connection.
Advising Guides
Andrew Kaluza
Advisor
Andrew Kaluza
Advisor
Andrew is a passionate entrepreneur dedicated to creating and supporting high-impact businesses. His positions held include COO of the Within Center (a psychedelic retreat center), Founder and CEO of Trace Body Rejuvenation (a holistic pain clinic), and CEO of Founders League (a network for Founders and CEOs).
Josh Marquez
Advisor
Josh Marquez
Advisor
Josh is a seasoned executive with over 13 years of experience in the substance abuse and mental health treatment field. Josh has a proven track record of building and growing successful businesses. He has founded multiple companies in the industry and has led them to multi-million dollar success before exiting. Josh’s expertise lies in creating innovative treatment programs and scaling technology driven behavioral health companies. With a deep commitment to improving mental health and well-being, Josh continues to be a leader and advocate in the field.
